Software Engineer Intern Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

This role supports the planning, design, and technical execution of civil engineering projects, with a focus on site and land development. You will complete engineering assignments using established standards, assist in preparing design plans, specifications, and cost estimates, and contribute to both office-based design work and field-based observations. This entry-level to early-career position is designed to build your professional engineering skills through hands-on project exposure, close collaboration with experienced engineers and surveyors, and progressive responsibility on a variety of civil engineering projects.

• Complete engineering assignments using standard practices, methods, and agency requirements.
• Assist in preparing design plans, specifications, and cost estimates that align with applicable agency standards.
• Prepare engineering calculations, sketches, comparisons, and technical analyses to support design decisions.
• Review drawings from vendors, clients, architects, and engineers, and recommend revisions to supervisors as needed.
• Research and review municipal, county, state, and federal codes and regulations relevant to project design.
• Document design options, findings, and technical results for supervisor review and project records.
• Produce clear reports and technical documentation summarizing studies, evaluations, and project details.
• Conduct field visits to understand site constraints, verify existing conditions, and support design development.
• Coordinate assigned tasks with designers, technicians, and engineers within the discipline group to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Communicate proactively with supervisors regarding workload, schedule changes, and scope adjustments.
• Review all completed work for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to standards before submission.
• Perform occasional deliveries, pickups, or errands to support project needs and team operations.
• Support hands-on project work including design calculations, plan preparation, and field observations.
• Collaborate with experienced civil engineers, surveyors, and CAD professionals on diverse project types.
• Engage in problem-solving and contribute to dependable client service through timely and accurate work products.

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 0–4 years of civil engineering experience.
• Engineer Intern (EI) certification or the ability to obtain it within one year.
• Knowledge of core engineering principles, practices, and mathematical applications.
• Ability to perform engineering computations, estimates, and moderately complex design tasks.
• Familiarity with engineering field instruments and standard office tools.
• Basic proficiency with computer-aided design tools such as Civil 3D and OpenSite.
• Experience or coursework related to AutoCAD and Civil 3D for civil and site development.
• Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, correspondence, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate professionally with colleagues, clients, and supervisors.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

• Interest in site development and land development projects.
• Experience using Civil 3D and AutoCAD in a professional or academic setting.
• Exposure to civil engineering design across diverse project types.
• Interest in developing design capabilities and progressing into project management responsibilities over time.
• Desire to work closely with experienced engineers, surveyors, and CAD professionals in a collaborative environment.
• Motivation to pursue professional licensure and accrue qualifying experience under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.

The role is based in a growing office of approximately ten professionals, including civil engineers, drafters, and surveyors. You will work primarily in an office setting, with an estimated 75% of your time dedicated to design and technical work and about 25% spent in the field on site visits and observations, though this balance may vary by project. You will report within a local leadership structure and receive direct mentorship and training from a licensed Professional Engineer, allowing you to accrue experience hours toward licensure. The team culture emphasizes collaboration, open communication, problem-solving, and dependable client service, with regular interaction among engineers, surveyors, and technical staff. The organization provides hands-on exposure to design, field work, and client interaction, and supports growth into roles with greater design ownership and eventual project management responsibilities. Work is performed using standard office tools and engineering technologies, including Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and related design software, in a professional, team-oriented environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Morris, IL.

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $36.06/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Morris,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.